Lahore Gymkhana holds couple dinner despite call to cancel event over PIMS tragedy

According to a letter dated August 28 and obtained by Minute Mirror, Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera, an Executive Member of the Club’s Committee of Management

LAHORE: The Lahore Gymkhana Club proceeded with its scheduled “Couple Dinner, Dance and Music Show” on August 29 despite a formal request from one of its executive members to postpone the event in view of the national mourning following the PIMS Hospital fire tragedy.

According to a letter dated August 28 and obtained by Minute Mirror, Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera, an Executive Member of the Club’s Committee of Management, urged the Club Secretary to reconsider holding the programme.

Sukhera cited the deaths of 14 newborn babies in a fire at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad, saying the country remained in mourning over the tragedy. He argued that staging what he described as an avoidable music and dance event at such a time would be inappropriate and called upon the administration to demonstrate sensitivity toward the national mood.

The executive member also referred to an earlier instance when a similar request was made during the Basant Festival following the Islamabad Imambargah bombing, which claimed 36 lives. He maintained that the previous management had proceeded with festivities despite the appeal.

Sukhera requested that his latest letter be placed before the Club’s Chairman or Convenor Administration for consideration and appropriate action.

Despite the request, sources said the Lahore Gymkhana administration went ahead with the Couple Dinner as scheduled on August 29.

The decision has triggered criticism and renewed debate on social media and among political circles, with critics questioning whether elite institutions should suspend entertainment events during periods of national grief and tragedy.